TIP OF THE WEEK // Dry Dropper Proportion Rule

One of the most versatile and effective rigs in fly fishing is the dry-dropper. It allows you to cover two key feeding zones at once: the surface and the subsurface. But for this setup to work well, your flies need to be in proportion to one another.

Why Proportion Matters

If your dropper nymph is too heavy or too large, it will pull your dry fly under—ruining your presentation and frustrating your drift. If your dropper is too light or too small, it might not sink quickly enough or draw strikes.  The solution? Balance.

The Factor of 4 Rule

My go-to rule of thumb when teaching anglers here at Red's is this: fish a dropper nymph that is about 4 sizes smaller than your dry fly.

Here are a few examples:

• Size 10 Hopper = Size 14 or 16 Nymph

• Size 12 Chubby Chernobyl = Size 16-18 Soft Hackle

• Size 14 Caddis = Size 18-20 Emerger or Midge

This balance keeps your dry riding high while giving your nymph enough presence and weight to reach the strike zone.

Tuning for Water Conditions

• Faster water? You can get away with slightly heavier droppers since the surface turbulence helps support your dry.

• Still or slow water? Go lighter and subtler. Delicate dries won’t support heavy nymphs without drowning.

Want to learn more about fishing these techniques this season? Join us for a course this season and let our team help you sharpen these essential skills. 

Stay tuned for more summer fly fishing insights, and get ready for some exciting days ahead! We teach these techniques and more through our various courses in our University of Fly Fishing.

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

There are a ton of offerings currently and our stillwaters both warm and cold are on fire!   All of these offerings can be accessed in the course calendar. 

• Thursday, August 7th, Trout Taxi
• Friday, August 8th, Trout Spey Fishalong 9am
• Friday, August 8th, Personal Watercraft Fishalong 1 pm
• Saturday, August 9th , Fly Fishing 101, 9am
• Sunday, August 10h, Fly Fishing 201, 12pm
• Monday, August 11th, Rowing Course

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.